small detail. She chose a simple green dress that sparkled just enough to stand out without being too much. She wa

ity felt alive as always, but tonight, it felt different. She was about t

place. The driver didn't say anything as she got inside. The car was quiet, only th

ng was huge and beautiful, with tall windows and lights that sparkled

her all at once. The room was filled with rich people talking, laughing, and clinking gl

many people, all so dressed up, all so confident. She di

this world-no, he owned this world. His ice-blue eyes scanned the crowd with such confidence, it made her heart ski

her. He didn't just look good. He felt powerful. He made the wh

is voice calm and d

she was a little br

ith a smile that was both warm

respond to that. She smil

a moment, but then he offered her

l of rich and important people, all talking and laughing. But somehow, she felt out of place.

verwhelmed. The whole event felt like something out of a dream, or maybe a nightmare.

rself?" Julian asked,

n't sure what she was feeling-excited, scared, or maybe a mix of both. S

. You'll get used to it. You're meant for th

llowed. "

sure you get everything you want. You have talen

all of this," Avery admitted, h

"You don't have to be ready. You just need to t

s, but this world was so different. Julian was offering her everything she had dr

?" she asked, not sure

u have something that I want. Your talent. But it's more tha

lieve him. She had always dreamed of making it in the art world, but was she re

f the ballroom. A large painting hung on the wall. It was bright,

voice softer now. "It's not just a painting. I

were bold, the brushstrokes wild, just like the feelings inside her. She wanted to escape f

to feel that way, too. I want you to be free, to make art th

Julian wasn't just offering to make her famous-he was offering c

sked, her voice almost a whisper. She

owe me. Not just your time, but your loyalty. Your

ne control her life. But Julian was different. He was powerful, a

he was caught in his world now

Chapt

the stage for Avery's decision, highlighting her growing attraction to Julian and her uncertainty